Information collection system and information collection method

Abstract

To provide an information collection system and an information collection method capable of readily collecting information concerning a traffic light.SOLUTION: An information collection system 100 for collecting information concerning a traffic light 20, includes: the traffic light 20 having a traffic light control machine 40 that controls a signal lamp; and a collection device 60 installed correspondingly to the traffic light control machine 40. The collection device 60 transmits a request signal to a user terminal 50 of a user U existing in the vicinity of the traffic light. When receiving a response signal from the user terminal 50 that has received the request signal, the collection device transmits a question to collect information to the user terminal 50, receives an answer of the question entered at the user terminal 50, and transmits information corresponding to answer results of the question to a server 10 and a control center 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information collection system and information collection method for collecting information about traffic signals, the information collection system including a traffic signal controller, a signal lamp, and a utility pole. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a webpage that accepts opinions about traffic signals at individual intersections. Users who are local residents can access this webpage and send their opinions about traffic signals. Users can enter opinions such as "The traffic lights are hard to see," "Do we need a traffic signal or not?", "The green light is on for a short time despite the heavy traffic volume," and "The traffic signal is broken" in a dedicated form. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / www.npa.go.jp / bureau / traffic / seibi2 / annzen-shisetu / hyoushiki-shingouki / shinngoukibox / shingou / singou-link.html Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Non-Patent Document 1, users must access a webpage and enter their opinions without a set format. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to reflect opinions immediately after a user uses an intersection. Furthermore, the entry field is free-form, making it difficult for users without knowledge of traffic control and traffic signals to enter their opinions. At a typical intersection, a wide road with heavy traffic volume is referred to as a main road, and a narrow road with less traffic volume that intersects with the main road is referred to as a secondary road. For example, at an intersection, traffic signals are installed for both the main road and the secondary road. Furthermore, traffic signals are installed on both sides of the main road and the secondary road. Therefore, it is difficult for users who are unfamiliar with the area to easily identify intersections or traffic signals. As a result, user opinions are not reflected in local governments and other institutions, and improvements remain, which contradicts the Sustainable Development Goal of "sustainable urban development."

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an information input system and information collection method that allow users to easily input information about traffic signals, thereby improving the efficiency of collecting opinions from local residents and aiming to achieve the sustainable development goal of "creating sustainable cities and towns." [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information collection system of this embodiment is an information collection system that collects information regarding traffic signals, and includes a traffic signal having a signal lamp and a traffic signal controller that controls the signal lamp, and a collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller, wherein the collection device transmits a request signal to a user terminal of a user in the vicinity of the traffic signal, and when it receives a response signal from the user terminal that received the request signal, it transmits a question to the user terminal to collect information, receives an answer to the question entered at the user terminal, and transmits information corresponding to the answer result to the question to a server and a control center.

[0007] In the above information collection system, the collection device may identify the route of the user based on the radio wave intensity of the signal received from the user terminal.

[0008] In the above information collection system, the route of the user may be identified based on the lighting state of the signal lamp.

[0009] An information collection system for collecting information regarding traffic signals includes a server that collects information from user terminals of users in the vicinity of the traffic signal, a traffic signal having a signal light and a traffic signal controller that controls the signal light, and the traffic signal is provided with access information to the server. When the user accesses the server using the user terminal based on the access information, the server sends a question to the user terminal, and the server receives information based on the answer entered by the user from the user terminal.

[0010] In the above information collection system, the access information may be a QR code (registered trademark) provided on the traffic signal controller.

[0011] In the information collection system, the route of the user may be identified based on location information of the user terminal.

[0012] In the above information collection system, the user terminal may display the question at a timing corresponding to the lighting state of the signal lamp device.

[0013] An information collection system for collecting information regarding traffic signals comprises: a traffic signal equipped with a signal lamp and a traffic signal controller that controls the signal lamp; and a collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller, wherein the collection device comprises a display unit that displays questions to users in the vicinity of the traffic signal, an input device that accepts input of answers to the questions from the users, and a communication unit that transmits information corresponding to the answers to the questions to a server and a control center.

[0014] In the information collection system, the route of the user may be identified based on data input by the user.

[0015] An information collection method for collecting information regarding a traffic signal having a traffic light and a traffic signal controller that controls the traffic light, wherein a collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller transmits a signal to a user terminal of a user in the vicinity of the traffic signal, and when a response signal is received from the user terminal that received the signal, the collection device transmits a question to the user terminal for information collection, receives an answer to the question entered at the user terminal, and transmits information corresponding to the answer to the question to a server and a control center.

[0016] The information collection method of this embodiment is an information collection method for collecting information about a traffic signal having a traffic light and a traffic signal controller that controls the traffic light, wherein the traffic light is provided with access information to a server that collects information from a user terminal, and when a user uses the user terminal to access the server based on the access information, the server sends a question to the user terminal, and the server receives information based on the answer entered by the user from the user terminal.

[0017] The information collection method of this embodiment is an information collection system that collects information regarding a traffic signal that includes a traffic light and a traffic signal controller that controls the traffic light, and a collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller displays a question to a user in the vicinity of the traffic signal, accepts input of an answer to the question from the user, and transmits information corresponding to the answer to the question to a server and a control center. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information collection system and an information collection method that can easily collect information related to traffic signals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an information collection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of an intersection. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a traffic signal according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a traffic signal indication diagram. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an information collecting method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an information collection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a traffic signal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an information collecting method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a traffic signal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing an information collecting method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing questions to a user. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing questions to a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, the following description and drawings have been simplified appropriately for clarity of explanation.

[0021] Embodiment 1 An information collection system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an information collection system 100. The information collection system 100 includes a server 10, a control center 30, a traffic signal 20, a user terminal 50, a collection device 60, and the like.

[0022] The information collection system 100 is a system that collects information such as opinions, complaints, and requests regarding intersections and traffic signals 20 from user terminals 50. In the following description, users who use intersections and traffic signals 20 are referred to as users, and a person who performs traffic control at a control center 30 or the like is referred to as an administrator. Therefore, when a user of a user terminal 50 inputs an opinion regarding an intersection or traffic signal 20, the administrator at the control center 30 can refer to that information. The administrator can then change the settings of the traffic signal controller 40 of the traffic signal 20 based on the collected information.

[0023] The user terminal 50 is a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone. The user terminal 50 is equipped with a processor, memory, camera, touch panel display, speaker, wireless communication transceiver, etc. Furthermore, an application for collecting opinions is pre-installed on the user terminal 50. The user may pre-register their personal information, ID, etc. in the application. For example, the user may pre-register their age, gender, etc.

[0024] The traffic signal 20 includes a traffic signal controller 40, pedestrian signal lights 21P, and vehicle signal lights 21V. The traffic signal controller 40 is installed at an intersection or its vicinity, and controls the pedestrian signal lights 21P and the vehicle signal lights 21V. For example, the traffic signal controller 40 can control the timing of each stage of the pedestrian signal lights 21P and the vehicle signal lights 21V. The traffic signal controller 40 controls the pedestrian signal lights 21P and the vehicle signal lights 21V of the traffic signal 20 according to the set timing.

[0025] Pedestrian signal lights 21P indicate the right of way for pedestrians using light colors such as red, green, and yellow, and arrows. Vehicle signal lights 21V indicate the right of way for automobiles using light colors such as red, green, and yellow, and arrows. Pedestrian signal lights 21P and vehicle signal lights 21V are also referred to simply as signal lights 21.

[0026] The collection device 60 is installed at an intersection or its vicinity. The collection device 60 includes a communication unit 61 and a processing unit 62. The collection device 60 may also include an input / output unit 64 such as a touch panel, a display, input buttons, and a speaker. The collection device 60 may also include an input / output interface for connecting to an external device.

[0027] The processing unit 62 has a memory, a processor, etc., and performs processing by executing a program stored in the memory. The processing unit 62 generates data to be transmitted to the user terminal 50 and the server 10. Furthermore, the processing unit 62 performs predetermined processing on the data received from the user terminal 50. The communication unit 61 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 10 or the user terminal 50. For example, the communication unit 61 includes a transceiver for wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0028] The collection device 60 distributes data for collecting information to the user terminal 50. For example, the collection device 60 stores a plurality of questions for the user U. When the user U operates the user terminal 50 to access the collection device 60, the collection device 60 transmits the questions to the user terminal 50. The user U sequentially inputs answers to the questions from the user terminal 50. Furthermore, the questions displayed change depending on the content of the answers. The user terminal 50 transmits the answers input by the user U to the collection device 60. The collection device 60 will be described later.

[0029] The collecting device 60 transmits the information data collected from the user terminal 50 to the server 10. Here, the collecting device 60 is installed, for example, at each intersection. The collecting device 60 is installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller 40. The collecting device 60 may be assigned a unique ID for identifying the traffic signal 20 or the intersection. By referring to the ID of the collecting device 60, the manager at the control center 30 can identify which intersection or which traffic signal 20 the opinion is for.

[0030] The server 10 collects information from a plurality of collection devices 60. The server 10 notifies the control center 30 of the information aggregation results. For example, the server 10 aggregates the content and number of opinions for each intersection or traffic signal 20. The server 10 then transmits the collection results for a certain period of time to the control center 30. The server 10 has a communication function for wireless communication with the control center 30 and the collection devices 60. The server 10 notifies the control center 30 of the collection results of the collected information.

[0031] The control center 30 performs overall control over the traffic signal controllers 40 installed at each intersection in a specified area. The control center 30 centrally manages multiple traffic signal controllers 40 over a wide area. The control center 30 monitors each traffic signal controller 40 in order to perform traffic control. From a remote location, the control center 30 grasps the indication stage (step number) and cycle length in seconds of the traffic signal controller 40 in real time via a communication line (not shown) to determine whether the traffic signal controller 40 has malfunctioned or not.

[0032] An administrator at the control center 30 can change the settings of the traffic signal controller 40 according to the collected results. For example, the administrator may refer to the data collected by the server 10 and change the cycle time, split, and hold time for each level of the traffic signal 20. This allows feedback according to the collected information, further improving convenience. The settings of the traffic signal controller 40 may be remotely changeable from the control center 30. Alternatively, the administrator may travel to the site where the traffic signal controller 40 is installed and change the settings of the traffic signal controller 40.

[0033] Information collection by the collection device 60 will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of an intersection 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a traffic signal 20a installed at the intersection. Below, an example will be described in which a user U, who is a pedestrian, collects opinions about a pedestrian signal light device 21P.

[0034] At intersection 3, main road 1 and secondary road 2 intersect. In Figure 2, the road extending in the Y direction is main road 1, and the road extending in the X direction is secondary road 2. Crosswalks 4a to 4d are provided at intersection 3. Crosswalks 4a and 4c cross secondary road 2, and crosswalks 4b and 4d cross main road 1. Crosswalk 4a is located on the -X side of intersection 3, and crosswalk 4c is located on the +X side of intersection 3. Crosswalk 4b is located on the +Y side of intersection 3, and crosswalk 4d is located on the -Y side of intersection 3.

[0035] A user U possesses a user terminal 50. An information gathering application is installed on the user terminal 50. Here, an example will be described in which the user U crosses a crosswalk 4a. Specifically, the user U crosses the minor road 2 by walking across the crosswalk 4a in the +Y direction. The user U immediately after crossing the crosswalk 4a is shown as user U1.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, traffic signals 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are installed at intersection 3. In Fig. 2, traffic signals 20a to 20d are installed at the corners of four crosswalks 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d at intersection 3. As shown in Fig. 3, traffic signal 20a is equipped with a pedestrian signal light 21Pa and a vehicle signal light 21Va.

[0037] Note that traffic signals 20b, 20c, and 20d have the same configuration as traffic signal 20a, and therefore are shown in parentheses as shown in Figure 3, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the utility poles of traffic signals 20b, 20c, and 20d are referred to as utility poles 22b, 22c, and 22d. Similarly, pedestrian signal lights 21P of traffic signals 20b, 20c, and 20d are referred to as pedestrian signal lights 21Pb, 21Pc, and 21Pd, and vehicle signal lights 21V of traffic signals 20c, 20c, and 20d are referred to as vehicle signal lights 21Vb, 21Vc, and 21Vd.

[0038] An example will be described below in which a user U inputs an opinion about a pedestrian signal light 21Pa of a traffic signal 20a. A pedestrian signal light 21Pa for pedestrians and a vehicular signal light 21Va are installed on a utility pole 22a (see FIG. 3). In addition, in FIG. 2, a collecting device 60 is installed only on the traffic signal 20a in the upper left corner, but a collecting device 60 may be installed on each of the traffic signals 20a to 20d. Therefore, it is sufficient that at least one collecting device 60 is installed at the intersection 3.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the traffic signal 20a includes a pedestrian signal light 21Pa, a vehicle signal light 21Va, a utility pole 22a, a traffic signal controller 40, and a collection device 60. The utility pole 22a is, for example, a support pole installed on the ground at the corner of an intersection, and supports the pedestrian signal light 21Pa, the vehicle signal light 21Va, the traffic signal controller 40, and the collection device 60. The traffic signal controller 40 may be provided in any one of the traffic signals 20a to 20d. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one traffic signal controller 40 is provided in the intersection 3. The traffic signal controller 40 can control the signal lights 21 of the four traffic signals 20a to 20d.

[0040] The pedestrian signal light 21Pa is a signal light for pedestrians that has a red signal light 26 and a green signal light 27. The traffic signal controller 40 is a control panel that controls the lighting of all the signal lights 21 installed at the intersection 3. The traffic signal controller 40 is installed on a utility pole 22a. For example, the traffic signal controller 40 is set with a cycle time, a split, a holding time for holding each step, etc.

[0041] The collecting device 60 is housed in a housing installed on the utility pole 22a. The collecting device 60 is also connected to the traffic signal controller 40 via wire or wirelessly. The traffic signal controller 40 can output various signals to the collecting device 60. For example, the traffic signal controller 40 outputs a control signal indicating the lighting timing of each color to the collecting device 60.

[0042] The collecting device 60 is assigned ID information for identifying the traffic signal 20 or the signal lamp 21. Although the collecting device 60 and the traffic signal controller 40 are installed separately, they may be integrated into one device. Furthermore, the traffic signal controller 40 and the collecting device 60 may be installed in a common housing.

[0043] The collecting device 60 transmits data including the ID information as a request signal by advertising. The signal transmitted by the collecting device 60 as an advertisement is called a request signal. The collecting device 60 constantly transmits request signals to an unspecified number of user terminals 50. Specifically, the collecting device 60 repeatedly transmits data including the ID information as a multicast signal at predetermined time intervals. The transmitting range of the collecting device 60 is limited to the vicinity of the intersection 3. The collecting device 60 can transmit request signals only to user terminals 50 located in the vicinity of the intersection.

[0044] When a user terminal 50 on which the app is installed passes near the collection device 60, the user terminal 50 receives a request signal. That is, the request signal reaches the user terminal 50 of a user who is in the vicinity of the intersection 3. When the user terminal 50 receives the request signal, it notifies the user U. In response to the request signal, the user terminal 50 transmits a response signal to the collection device 60.

[0045] For example, when the user terminal 50 receives the request signal, a notification function of the app asks the user U whether or not to input an opinion. When the user U operates the user terminal 50 and selects to input an opinion, the user terminal 50 transmits a response signal to the collection device 60. The response signal may include user ID information for identifying the user U.

[0046] When the collection device 60 receives the response signal, it transmits a question or the like for collecting opinions to the user terminal 50. When the user terminal 50 receives the question, it displays it on a display. The user terminal 50 may also display the question or the like in a web browser. When the user U answers the question, the user terminal 50 transmits the answer to the collection device 60. For example, when the user U crosses the crosswalk 4a, the collection device 60 collects information such as the pedestrian signal light 21Pa being lit red for a long time, the pedestrian signal light 21Pa being broken, or the pedestrian signal light 21Pa being difficult to see. Furthermore, the user terminal 50 may transmit the terminal ID of the user terminal 50, the time of the answer, etc., along with the answer.

[0047] The collection device 60 transmits the response from the user terminal 50 to the server 10, as shown in Fig. 1. In this way, the server 10 can collect information on all traffic signals 20 installed at the intersection 3. Furthermore, since the collection device 60 is assigned ID information for identifying the traffic signal 20 or signal lamp, the administrator can easily recognize which traffic signal 20 or signal lamp the information is for.

[0048] The collecting device 60 or the user terminal 50 can perform processing to identify the route that the user U will take when crossing one of the four crosswalks 4a to 4d. Here, the route corresponds to the direction in which the user U crosses the crosswalk. For example, the collecting device 60 identifies which of the crosswalks 4a to 4d at the intersection 3 the user U crossed. Furthermore, for one crosswalk, the collecting device 60 may identify the direction from which the user U crossed the crosswalk. For example, when the user U crosses the crosswalk 4a, the collecting device 60 identifies whether the user U crossed in the +Y direction or the -Y direction.

[0049] For example, the collecting device 60 identifies the route of the user U based on data from the user terminal 50. Then, based on the identified route, the collecting device 60 detects which traffic signal or which signal light 21 installed at the intersection 3 the opinion relates to. In other words, the collecting device 60 identifies one signal light 21 from the multiple signal lights 21 installed at the intersection 3 based on the route. The collecting device 60 transmits identification information indicating the identified signal light 21 together with the opinion.

[0050] An example of a process for identifying a route will be described below. The methods shown in the following process examples may be executed separately or in combination. Furthermore, the process for identifying a route will be described as being executed by the collection device 60, but at least a part of the process may be executed by the user terminal 50 or the server 10.

[0051] Processing example 1 In processing example 1, the collection device 60 uses location information of the user terminal 50. For example, the user terminal 50 has a satellite positioning means such as a GPS (Global Positioning System). The collection device 60 receives the location information from the user terminal 50 and identifies a route based on the location information.

[0052] The user terminal 50 transmits the location information along with the response signal. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 transmits the location information along with the response. The collection device 60 identifies the route of the user U from the location information and its history. For example, in FIG. 2, the user U is moving from near store A 7 to near store B 8, so the collection device 60 detects that the user U has crossed the crosswalk 4a in the +Y direction.

[0053] Once the collection device 60 identifies the route, it can recognize that the comment is about the traffic light 20a installed facing the crosswalk 4a. After the user U crosses the crosswalk 4a, the user operates the user terminal 50 to input the comment. The collection device 60 transmits the response from the user terminal 50 to the server 10. The collection device 60 transmits identification information indicating the identified traffic light. This allows the administrator to easily recognize which traffic light 21 the comment is about.

[0054] Processing example 2 Processing example 2 is a method that uses radio wave intensity obtained from the user terminal 50. The user terminal 50 transmits a wireless signal to the collection device 60 at regular time intervals. When the collection device 60 receives the wireless signal from the user terminal 50, it analyzes the radio wave intensity of the wireless signal. Then, the collection device 60 identifies the route based on fluctuations in the radio wave intensity.

[0055] For example, the radio wave strength of the signal received by the collecting device 60 changes depending on the distance between the user terminal 50 and the collecting device 60. Specifically, the closer the user terminal 50 is to the collecting device 60, the stronger the radio wave strength. Conversely, the farther the user terminal 50 is from the collecting device 60, the weaker the radio wave strength. Therefore, the collecting device 60 can identify the route of the user U depending on the change in radio wave strength.

[0056] The following describes the radio wave strength of the signal received by the collecting device 60 installed at the traffic signal 20a. For example, when a user U crosses the crosswalk 4a in the +Y direction, the radio wave strength is low before crossing. Then, while the user U is crossing the crosswalk 4a, the radio wave strength increases as the user moves. The radio wave strength reaches its maximum after the user U crosses. The radio wave strength is maximum at the position of user U1. Conversely, when the user U crosses the crosswalk 4a in the -Y direction, the radio wave strength of the signal received by the collecting device 60 weakens. The collecting device 60 can detect crossing based on fluctuations in radio wave strength.

[0057] Furthermore, if a collecting device 60 is provided at each of a plurality of traffic signals 20, the route of the user U may be identified by comparing the radio wave intensities of the plurality of collecting devices 60. For example, assume that a collecting device 60 is provided at each of the traffic signals 20 shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the position and moving direction of the user U can be identified by referring to the radio wave intensities of the signals received by the four collecting devices 60. This allows the collecting device 60 to identify the route with high accuracy.

[0058] Furthermore, the collection device 60 may identify the route based on the lighting state of the traffic signal 20 when a crossing is detected. The traffic signal controller 40 supplies the collection device 60 with a timing signal indicating the lighting state of the traffic signal 21. The timing signal is a signal indicating the traffic signal aspect at the traffic signal 21. FIG. 4 shows an aspect diagram of a typical two-aspect traffic signal 20. 1P indicates the lighting state of pedestrian signals 21Pa and 21Pc, which indicate the right of pedestrians to pass on the main road 1, and 1V indicates the lighting state of vehicle signals 21Va and 21Vc, which indicate the right of vehicles to pass on the main road 1. 2P indicates the lighting state of pedestrian signals 21Pb and 21Pd, which indicate the right of pedestrians to pass on the secondary road 2, and 2V indicates the lighting state of vehicle signals 21Vb and 21Vd, which indicate the right of vehicles to pass on the secondary road 2.

[0059] In step 1, 1P and 1V are lit blue, and 2P and 2V are lit red. In step 2, 1P changes to flashing blue, and in step 3, 1P changes to lit red. In step 4, 1V changes to lit yellow, and in step 5, 1V turns lit red. In other words, in step 5, 1P, 1V, 2P, and 2V all turn lit red. In step 6, 2P and 2V turn lit blue. In step 7, 2P changes to flashing blue, and in step 8, 2P turns lit red. In step 9, 2V turns lit yellow, and in step 10, 2V turns lit red.

[0060] The timing signal is a signal that indicates the lighting color of the traffic light 21. Alternatively, the timing signal is a signal that indicates whether the pedestrian signal light 21P is flashing green. For example, the timing signal indicates whether the pedestrian signal light 21P is flashing red, flashing green, or flashing green. The collecting device 60 can recognize the lighting state of the traffic signal 20 based on the timing signal. Then, the collecting device 60 identifies the route based on the radio wave intensity, referring to the lighting state of the traffic signal 20.

[0061] For example, suppose that the collecting device 60 detects, based on radio wave intensity, that the user U has crossed the crosswalk 4a while the green light 27 for the crosswalk 4a is on at the pedestrian signal light 21Pa. In this case, the collecting device 60 detects that the user U has crossed the crosswalk 4a in the +Y direction. When the green light 27 for the crosswalk 4a is on, the red light 26 for the crosswalk 4b is on. Therefore, the collecting device 60 can detect, based on the timing signal, that the user U has not crossed the crosswalk 4b.

[0062] Specifically, when a person crosses the crosswalk 4a in the +Y direction, the radio wave strength of the signal received by the collecting device 60 installed at the traffic signal 20a gradually increases. Similarly, when a person crosses the crosswalk 4b in the -X direction, the radio wave strength of the signal received by the collecting device 60 installed at the traffic signal 20a gradually increases. In such cases, it may not be possible to identify the route based on the radio wave strength alone. Therefore, the collecting device 60 identifies the route based on not only the radio wave strength but also the lighting status.

[0063] Furthermore, the collecting device 60 may change the question data depending on the lighting state of the traffic signal 20. That is, the collecting device 60 changes the question based on the timing signal and transmits it to the user terminal 50. In FIG. 4 , in steps 1 and 2 when 1P is lit green or flashing green, the collecting device 60 transmits a questionnaire (question) to solicit opinions about the pedestrian signals 21Pa and 21Pc on the main road 1. In steps 6 and 7 when 2P is lit green or flashing green, the collecting device 60 transmits a questionnaire (question) to solicit opinions about the pedestrian signals 21Pb and 21Pd on the secondary road 2. In this manner, the collecting device 60 can transmit appropriate questions to the user terminal 50. The collecting device 60 can collect opinions about any of the pedestrian signals 21P used by the user U of the user terminal 50. This makes it easier to collect opinions. The collecting device 60 may detect the lighting state of the signal 21 by capturing an image of the signal 21 with a camera.

[0064] Processing example 3 In processing example 3, the collection device 60 identifies a route based on data input by the user U. Specifically, the collection device 60 queries the user U for information to identify the route. For example, the collection device 60 transmits questions regarding the destination, departure point, travel route, etc. to the user terminal 50. When the user U operates the user terminal 50 to answer the questions, the user terminal 50 transmits the answers to the collection device 60. The collection device 60 estimates the route of the user U from the destination, departure point, and travel route.

[0065] The collection device 60 may send a message to the user terminal 50 as a question inquiring about the destination, departure point, destination, origin, route, etc. The user terminal 50 may display a message inquiring about the direction of travel on a display. Alternatively, a message inquiring about the destination and departure point may be displayed on a display, and the route may be identified from the route from the departure point to the destination. The user terminal 50 may inquire about whether a landmark such as a store near an intersection is located before or after the intersection. In FIG. 2, an app on the user terminal 50 inquires about the user U about whether he or she has traveled from convenience store 6 to store B 8 or from store A 7 to store B 8.

[0066] Alternatively, the application of the user terminal 50 displays a map on the display and prompts the user U to specify a travel route or a direction, etc. The application of the user terminal 50 displays a map on the screen of a touch panel and prompts the user U to trace the travel route.

[0067] Alternatively, the app of the user terminal 50 prompts the user U to capture an image in the direction from which they crossed. The user U captures an image of the periphery of the intersection with the camera of the user terminal 50. For example, after crossing the crosswalk 4a, the user terminal 50 displays a message on the display prompting the user U to capture an image in the direction from which they crossed. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 displays a message on the display asking the user U whether the captured direction is the direction to which they crossed or the direction from which they started to cross.

[0068] Furthermore, it is preferable that the user terminal 50 displays the question after the user U crosses the crosswalk. For example, it is preferable that the collection device 60 transmits the question when it detects the user U crossing the crosswalk based on location information or radio wave strength. Alternatively, when the collection device 60 detects the user crossing, it transmits a detection signal indicating that the user crossed to the user terminal 50. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 may detect the user crossing based on location information or radio wave strength. After the user terminal 50 receives the detection signal or after detecting the user crossing, the question is displayed on the display. This allows the user U to answer the question immediately after crossing the crosswalk. This makes it possible to easily collect opinions from the user U. For example, the collection device 60 can obtain opinions immediately after the user U uses the crosswalk. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid the user U having to answer the question while crossing the crosswalk.

[0069] The method for collecting opinions in the system will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the collection method.

[0070] A collection device 60 installed at an intersection 3 transmits a request signal by advertising (S101). For example, the collection device 60 transmits the request signal at regular time intervals. In response, an application on a user terminal 50 located near the intersection 3 transmits a response to the collection device 60 (S102).

[0071] Next, the collecting device 60 identifies the route for the user U (S103). Here, as described above, the collecting device 60 identifies the route based on location information and radio wave intensity. Alternatively, the collecting device 60 may identify the route from an answer or an image input by the user U. Also, the user terminal 50 may identify the route and transmit it to the collecting device 60.

[0072] Next, when the collection device 60 detects that the user U has crossed one of the four crosswalks 4, it transmits a question to the user terminal 50 (S104). Then, the app on the user terminal 50 inquires of the user U about any dissatisfaction or problems with the intersection 3 (S105). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inquiring about any dissatisfaction or problems with the intersection 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 50 displays a question on the display inquiring about any dissatisfaction or problems. In this way, dissatisfied users U can easily input their opinions on the touch panel.

[0073] If the user U inputs that he or she is dissatisfied or has a problem (YES in S105), the app on the user terminal 50 moves to a question screen (S106). The app on the user terminal 50 asks a question to identify the dissatisfaction or problem. The user U operates the user terminal 50 to input an answer to the question on the touch panel. If the user U inputs that he or she is not dissatisfied or has a problem (NO in S105), the collection device 60 receives the answer that he or she is not dissatisfied or has a problem. This allows the collection device 60 to obtain a collection result in which the user U has comfortably crossed any of the four crosswalks at the intersection 3.

[0074] The user terminal 50 may display questions in a questionnaire format. The user terminal 50 may also display multiple multiple-choice questions. The user terminal 50 may display questions according to a preset flowchart. The user terminal 50 may change the next question depending on the answer result of the user U. The questions displayed by the user terminal 50 are not limited to visual output displayed on a display, but may also be audio output from a speaker.

[0075] The collection device 60 receives the answers entered by the user U from the user terminal 50 (S107). The collection device 60 transmits the answer collection results to the server 10 (S108). The collection device 60 may transmit the collection results to the server 10 each time one user U responds, or may transmit the collection results that combine the answers of multiple users U to the server 10.

[0076] The server 10 periodically transmits the results of the aggregation to the control center 30 (S109). The administrator checks the data of the aggregation results from the control center 30 and uses it to improve the operation of the intersection 3 (S110). For example, if a certain number of comments are collected that the traffic signal 20 is broken or that the traffic signal 20 is difficult to see due to obstacles such as trees, the administrator arranges for repairs to the signal lamps 21, etc. Furthermore, if a certain percentage of comments are collected that any of the multiple signal lamps has a short green light duration, the administrator changes the settings of the traffic signal controller 40.

[0077] In this way, opinions about the traffic signals 20 at the intersection 3 can be collected efficiently. After the user U returns home, there is no need for the user U to access a web page or the like on a personal computer at home, so the user U can easily input opinions. Furthermore, since the collection device 60 is provided corresponding to the traffic signals 20, the collection device 60 can easily identify the intersection 3, traffic signal 20, or signal lamp 21 that is the subject of the opinions. Even a user U who does not have specialized knowledge about traffic control or traffic signals can easily input opinions.

[0078] Furthermore, the collection device 60 identifies the pedestrian signal light 21P from the location information, radio wave intensity, or question and answer. Even a user U who does not have specialized knowledge about traffic signals or intersections can easily input their opinion. In addition, the administrator may award the user with rewards such as points in response to the input of their opinion.

[0079] The collection device 60 may also acquire user information about the user U along with the response from the user U. For example, the collection device 60 may collect the age, gender, and so on of the user U who inputted the opinion. This makes it possible to tally up the age groups of the users U who used the intersection 3 or the crosswalk 4. It also becomes possible to improve the operation of the intersection 3 according to the user information.

[0080] Embodiment 2 In the information collection system according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the traffic signal 20 is different from that in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the information collection system 100 uses a QR code. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the traffic signal 20 in the information collection system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the information collection system 100 is not provided with a collection device 60. Note that explanations of the same contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Since the traffic signals 20a to 20d have the same configuration, in FIG. 8, the traffic signals 20b to 20d are shown in parentheses, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0081] 8, a QR code 24 is provided on a traffic signal 20a. The QR code 24 is provided on the housing of a traffic signal controller 40. Of course, the QR code 24 is not limited to being provided on the traffic signal controller 40, but may also be provided on utility poles 22a to 22d or the like in any position where a user U can capture an image. The QR code 24 includes access information for accessing the server 10.

[0082] A user U who wishes to input an opinion accesses the server 10 using a QR code 24. When the user U captures an image of the QR code 24 with the camera of the user terminal 50, the user terminal 50 accesses a web page for inputting an opinion. The user terminal 50 can directly access the server 10 located in a remote location using mobile communication standards such as 4G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G. The user terminal 50 on which an app is installed may detect that it is near an intersection 3 based on its own location information. When the user terminal 50 detects that it is near the intersection 3, the app may output a message prompting the user U to capture an image of the QR code 24.

[0083] When the user terminal 50 accesses the server 10 using the QR code 24, the server 10 sends a question to the user terminal 50. The user terminal 50 displays the question on a web browser. The user U operates the user terminal 50 to input answers to the questions. In this way, the server 10 can collect information about the intersections 3 and traffic signals 20, similar to the first embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, installation costs can be reduced because there is no need to provide a collection device 60 for each traffic signal 20. In other words, it is sufficient to simply attach a unique QR code 24 to an existing traffic signal controller 40, which can significantly reduce installation costs.

[0085] By using the QR code 24, it is possible to easily identify the intersection 3 and traffic signal 20 where the opinion was input. In other words, by attaching a different QR code 24 to each traffic signal controller 40, it is possible to easily identify the traffic signal 20 and intersection 3. By changing the access address for each QR code 24, it is possible to easily identify the intersection 3 and traffic signal 20. The server 10 can identify the user U who input the opinion by acquiring the IP address, etc., of the accessed user terminal 50. In other words, the server 10 can determine that an opinion was input based on the IP address, etc., of the user terminal 50.

[0086] Of course, the access information used by the user terminal 50 to access the server 10 may be something other than the QR code 24. In other words, access information other than the QR code 24 may be attached to the vicinity of the traffic signal 20. For example, a search keyword, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), a barcode, or the like may be attached to the traffic signal controller 40 or the utility pole 22a as access information.

[0087] Furthermore, it is preferable that the QR code 24 corresponds to the traffic light 21. For example, if the QR code 24 is affixed in a direction that matches the direction of the traffic light 21, the user U can easily recognize that the QR code 24 is attached. By affixing the QR code 24 directly below or in the vicinity of the traffic light 21, the user U can capture an image of the QR code 24 immediately after crossing the crosswalk 4.

[0088] Furthermore, by providing a QR code 24 for each signal light 21, it is possible to easily identify which signal light 21 the comment is directed to. For example, since the position at which the user U can easily capture an image differs depending on the route, the QR code 24 may be provided in a position and orientation according to the route. A different QR code 24 may be provided for each route. This allows the server 10 to easily identify the route. Of course, as in processing example 3 of embodiment 1, the user terminal 50 may display a question to identify the route. Furthermore, the server 10 or the user terminal 50 may identify the route from the location information of the user terminal 50.

[0089] 9 is a flowchart showing the information collection method. First, the user U holds the user terminal 50 over the QR code 24 to capture an image of the QR code 24 (S201). It is preferable that the QR code 24 is provided in a position where the user U can capture an image of the QR code 24 immediately after crossing the street. It is also preferable that a unique QR code be used for each traffic signal 20 or each signal lamp 21.

[0090] Next, the user terminal 50 accesses a web page corresponding to the QR code 24 (S202). As a result, the user terminal 50 transitions to a question screen and displays the question. The user U answers the question (S203). Then, when the user terminal 50 transmits the answer to the server 10, the server 10 accumulates the answer results (S204). Here, the server 10 may accumulate information for each intersection, each traffic signal 20, or each signal lamp 21. The server 10 transmits the aggregation results to the control center 30 at regular intervals (S205). The administrator checks the data of the aggregation results from the control center 30 and uses it to improve the operation of the intersection 3 (S206).

[0091] In this way, similar to the first embodiment, opinions regarding the traffic signals 20 and the intersections 3 can be easily collected. Furthermore, since the installation of the collection device 60 is not required, the installation cost can be reduced.

[0092] Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, the collection device 60 is an operation panel that can be operated by the user U. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the traffic signal 20a. In Fig. 10, traffic signals 20b, 20c, and 20d have the same configuration as the traffic signal 20a, so they are shown in parentheses and detailed description will be omitted.

[0093] For example, the collection device 60 is installed inside the housing of the traffic signal controller 40. The collection device 60 is provided with a touch panel display 63 that can display and input data from outside the housing. Furthermore, the collection device 60 has a camera 65 that can capture an image of a user U making an input. Note that the description of the same content as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0094] For example, the touch panel display 63 of the collection device 60 is exposed on the outside of the housing. The touch panel display 63 functions as a display device that displays questions and an input device that accepts input. The touch panel display 63 displays the questions to the user U who has crossed the crosswalk. The user U can also input answers to the questions by operating the touch panel display 63. The collection device 60 may be a tablet computer or the like that has the touch panel display 63.

[0095] For example, when the user U operates the collection device 60, the collection device 60 displays questions in order. Then, the user U inputs answers to the questions using the touch panel display 63. Of course, the answers may be input not only through the touch panel display 63 but also through buttons, a microphone for voice input, or the like.

[0096] A collection device 60 installed on the traffic signal 20 functions as an operation panel. By assigning an ID to each collection device 60, the server 10 can identify the intersection 3, traffic signal 20, or traffic light 21. In this way, even a user U who does not have a user terminal 50 can input an opinion.

[0097] The collection device 60 may also identify the direction of the user U. For example, the touch panel display 63 may display a map and ask the user U which direction he or she has traveled. Alternatively, the route of the user U can be identified by capturing an image of the area around the intersection 3 using a surveillance camera or the like. This makes it easy to identify the signal light 21 that is the subject of the opinion.

[0098] Furthermore, the collection device 60 may authenticate the user U who performs the operation. In this way, only pre-registered users U can input opinions, thereby preventing mischief and the like. The camera 65 captures an image of the face of the user U. The collection device 60 performs user authentication by facial recognition or the like. Furthermore, the age and gender of the user U may be obtained by analyzing the image from the camera 65.

[0099] 11 is a flowchart showing the information collection method of this embodiment. First, when a user U crosses a crosswalk, the user operates the collection device (S301). Then, the screen on the touch panel display 63 transitions to a question screen (S302). Here, the collection device 60 may perform face authentication using the camera 65 so that only approved users U can input their opinions.

[0100] Then, the user U operates the touch panel display 63 to answer the question (S303). The collection device 60 transmits the answer to the server 10 (S304). The server 10 accumulates the answer results (S305). Here, the server 10 may accumulate information for each traffic signal 20 or each signal lamp 21. The server 10 transmits the aggregation results to the control center 30 at regular intervals (S306). The administrator checks the data of the aggregation results from the control center 30 and uses it to improve the operation of the intersection 3 (S307).

[0101] In this way, similar to the first and second embodiments, opinions regarding the traffic signals 20 and the intersections 3 can be easily collected. Furthermore, even a user U who does not have a user terminal 50 such as a smartphone can easily input opinions. For example, an elderly user U may not have a smartphone or the like. Or, even a user U who does not have an app installed can input opinions. Even such a user U can easily input opinions.

[0102] Next, questions for collecting opinions will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts for explaining questions displayed on the user terminal 50. Here, as shown in the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the collection device 60 transmits questions to the user terminal 50. That is, the collection device 60 has the following questions and the like pre-registered. Then, when the collection device 60 transmits a question to the user terminal 50, the user terminal 50 displays a message indicating the question as shown below. Of course, the server 10 may transmit the question to the user terminal 50 as in the second embodiment. Alternatively, the collection device 60 may display the question to the user U as in the third embodiment.

[0103] First, the user U inputs necessary information (S401). For example, the user U inputs a user ID, gender, age, etc. Note that the necessary information such as the user ID may be registered in advance in the app. Next, the user terminal 50 inquires of the user U whether or not they are dissatisfied with the intersection (S402).

[0104] If the user U replies that they have no complaints (NO in S402), the user terminal 50 ends the process. The user terminal 50 may transmit to the collection device 60 that they have no complaints. If the user U replies that they have complaints (YES in S402), the user terminal 50 inquires of the user U about the time they usually use the intersection (S403). When the user U inputs the time, the user terminal 50 inquires about what they are dissatisfied with (S404). Here, the user terminal 50 displays a message prompting the user to select from three options: "Other," "Signs and Signal Lamps," and "Number of seconds for traffic signals."

[0105] If the user U selects "Other" (Other in S404), the user terminal 50 displays a display for free writing (S407). For example, when the user terminal 50 displays a text input window, the user inputs a text expressing dissatisfaction. Then, the process proceeds to S423.

[0106] If the user U selects that he or she is dissatisfied with "signs and signals" (signs and signals in S404), the user terminal 50 inquires about the type of dissatisfaction he or she has with the signs and signals (S405). Here, the user terminal 50 displays a message prompting the user to select from three options: "Other," "The signs and signals are hard to see," and "I would like sound at the intersection."

[0107] If the user U selects "Other" (Other in S405), the user terminal 50 displays a display for free writing (S407). For example, the user terminal 50 displays a text input window, and the user inputs a text expressing dissatisfaction. When the user sends the text, the process proceeds to S423.

[0108] If the user U selects "The signs and traffic lights are hard to see" (the signs and traffic lights are hard to see in S405), the user terminal 50 asks the user U for the reason (S406). Here, the user terminal 50 displays a message prompting the user U to select the reason for the difficulty in seeing from two options: "The letters are faint or crooked" or "There is an obstacle in front of / near the traffic light or it is in a bad location."

[0109] If the user U selects "The characters are faint and curved" (the characters are faint and curved in S406), the collection device 60 or the user terminal 50 identifies the route to be requested (S408). As described in the first embodiment, the collection device 60 identifies the route based on the location information and the radio wave strength. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 or the like outputs a question, message, or the like to the user U to identify the route.

[0110] Once the collection device 60 has identified the route, it submits a request for repair of the signal lamps and signs to the server 10 (S409). Here, since the route has been identified, the manager can identify the signal lamps or signs that need repair. This allows the manager to appropriately manage the signal lamps and signs. Then, the process proceeds to S423.

[0111] If the user U selects "There is an obstacle in front of / near the traffic light; the location is bad" ("There is an obstacle in front of / near the traffic light; the location is bad" in S406), the collection device 60 or the user terminal 50 identifies the route to be requested (S410). As described in the first embodiment, the collection device 60 identifies the route based on location information and radio wave strength. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 or the like outputs a question, message, or the like to the user U to identify the route.

[0112] Once the collection device 60 identifies the route, it submits a request to change the installation location of the signal lamps and signs to the server 10 (S411). Here, since the route has been identified, the administrator can identify the signal lamps or signs that need to be relocated. This allows the administrator to appropriately manage the signal lamps and signs. Then, the process proceeds to S423.

[0113] When the user U selects "I want sound at intersections" (I want sound at intersections in S405), the collection device 60 or the user terminal 50 identifies the route to be requested (S412). As described in the first embodiment, the collection device 60 identifies the route based on location information and radio wave strength. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 or the like outputs a question, message, or the like to the user U to identify the route.

[0114] Once the collection device 60 has identified the route, it submits a request for audio device installation to the server 10 (S413). Here, since the route has been identified, the administrator can identify the installation location of the audio device. This allows the administrator to appropriately install the audio device. Then, the process proceeds to S423.

[0115] The user terminal 50 displays a window for free writing (S407). For example, when the user terminal 50 displays a window for inputting text, the user U inputs a text expressing dissatisfaction. When the user sends the text, the process proceeds to S423.

[0116] If the user U selects that he / she is dissatisfied with the "number of seconds" (number of seconds in S404), the user terminal 50 inquires about the dissatisfaction with the number of seconds (S414). Here, the user terminal 50 displays a message prompting the user to select from two options: "the number of seconds for pedestrians is short" and "the waiting time for pedestrians is long."

[0117] If the user U selects "short number of seconds for pedestrians" (the number of seconds for pedestrians with green lights on is short in S414), the collection device 60 or the user terminal 50 identifies the route to be requested (S415). As described in the first embodiment, the collection device 60 identifies the route based on the location information and radio wave strength. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 or the like outputs a question, message, or the like to the user U to identify the route.

[0118] When the collection device 60 identifies the route, the collection device 60 determines whether the user U is elderly or not (S416). If the user U is not elderly (NO in S416), the collection device 60 submits a request to extend the green lighting time of pedestrian traffic lights (S417). If the user U is elderly (YES in S416), the collection device 60 submits a request to install a push button for the elderly (S418). Here, since the route of the user U has been identified, the administrator can easily identify the location of the traffic signal 20 or the like to be improved.

[0119] If the user U selects "pedestrian waiting time is long" (long pedestrian waiting time in S414), the collection device 60 or the user terminal 50 identifies the route to be requested (S419). As described in the first embodiment, the collection device 60 identifies the route based on location information and radio wave intensity. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 or the like outputs a question, message, or the like to the user U to identify the route.

[0120] The user terminal 50 inquires of the user U as to whether there are many pedestrians using the intersection 3 (S420). If the user U inputs that there are many pedestrians (YES in S420), the collection device 60 submits a request to the server 10 to review the split ratio of the traffic signal 20 (S421). If the user U inputs that there are few pedestrians (NO in S420), the collection device 60 submits a request for a stop-type recall to the server 10 (S422). Then, the process proceeds to S423.

[0121] When the processing of S407, S409, S411, S413, S417, S418, S421, or S422 is completed, the user terminal 50 inquires of the user U about other complaints (S423). If the user U inputs that he or she has other complaints, the process returns to S404, and the user terminal 50 etc. repeats the processing. If the user U inputs that he or she has no other complaints, the process ends.

[0122] In this way, the user terminal 50 displays multiple-choice questions, allowing the user U to easily input their complaints. Then, requests extracted from the complaints are sent to the server 10. This allows the administrator to appropriately improve the traffic signal 20, etc.

[0123] The processing of the server 10, the user terminal 50, or the collecting device 60 can be realized by a computer program. In other words, the server 10, the user terminal 50, or the collecting device 60 is an information processing device equipped with a memory for storing the program and a processor for executing the program. Furthermore, the server 10 or the collecting device 60 is not limited to being a single physical device, but may be a distributed device. Part of the processing of the collecting device 60 may be executed by the server 10, the user terminal 50, or the like.

[0124] The programs of the collection device 60, the user terminal 50, and the server 10 described above include a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, causes the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The programs may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. Examples of computer-readable media or tangible storage media include, but are not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc or other optical disc storage, and magnetic storage devices. The programs may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. Examples of transitory computer-readable media or communication media include, but are not limited to, electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] U User 1 Main Road 2 Secondary roads 3 Intersection 4a~4d Crosswalks 10 Servers 20 Traffic lights 21 Signal lights 21V, 21Va~21Vd Vehicle Signal Lights 21P, 21Pa ~ 21Pd Pedestrian signal lights 22a~22d Electric poles 24 QR Code 26 Red Light 27 Green Light 30 Control Center 40 Traffic signal controller 50 User Terminals 60 Collection Device 61 Communications Department 62 Processing section 63 Touch Panel Display 64 Input / output section 65 Camera 100 Information Collection System

Claims

1. An information collection system for collecting information about traffic signals, a traffic signal including a signal lamp and a traffic signal controller that controls the signal lamp; a collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller; The collection device Transmitting a request signal to a user terminal of a user in the vicinity of the traffic signal; When a response signal is received from the user terminal that received the signal, a query for collecting information is transmitted to the user terminal; receiving an answer to the question inputted at the user terminal; transmitting information according to the answer to the question to the server and the control center; Information gathering system.

2. 2. The information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the collection device identifies the route of the user based on the radio wave intensity of the signal received from the user terminal.

3. The information gathering system according to claim 2, wherein the route of the user is identified based on the lighting state of the signal lamp.

4. An information collection system for collecting information about traffic signals, a server that collects information from user terminals of users in the vicinity of the traffic signal; a traffic signal including a signal lamp and a traffic signal controller that controls the signal lamp, The traffic signal is provided with access information to the server, When the user accesses the server based on the access information using a user terminal, The server sends a query to the user terminal; the server receives information based on the answer input by the user from the user terminal; Information gathering system.

5. 5. The information collection system according to claim 4, wherein the access information is a QR code provided on the traffic signal controller.

6. 5. The information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the route of the user is identified based on location information of the user terminal.

7. 5. The information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal displays the question at a timing corresponding to the lighting state of the signal lamp.

8. An information collection system for collecting information about traffic signals, A traffic signal including a signal lamp and a traffic signal controller that controls the signal lamp; a collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller; The collection device a display unit that displays a question to a user in the vicinity of the traffic signal; an input device that accepts input of an answer to the question from the user; a communication unit that transmits information according to the answer to the question to the server and the control center, Information gathering system.

9. 10. The information gathering system according to claim 1, 4 or 8, wherein the route of the user is identified based on data input by the user.

10. 1. An information collection method for collecting information about a traffic signal having a traffic light and a traffic signal controller that controls the traffic light, comprising: A collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller, Transmitting a request signal to a user terminal of a user in the vicinity of the traffic signal; When a response signal is received from the user terminal that received the signal, a query for collecting information is transmitted to the user terminal; receiving an answer to the question inputted at the user terminal; transmitting information according to the answer to the question to the server and the control center; How information is collected.

11. 1. An information collection method for collecting information about a traffic signal having a traffic light and a traffic signal controller that controls the traffic light, comprising: The traffic signal is provided with access information to a server that collects information from user terminals, When a user accesses the server based on the access information using the user terminal, the server sends a query to the user terminal; The information collection method includes the step of receiving, by the server, information based on a response input by the user from the user terminal.

12. An information collection system for collecting information about a traffic signal including a traffic light and a traffic signal controller that controls the traffic light, A collection device installed corresponding to the traffic signal controller, Displaying a question to a user in the vicinity of the traffic signal; Accepting an input of an answer to the question from the user; transmitting information according to the answer to the question to the server and the control center; How information is collected.

Images